Certified Organic versus Organic Gardening

_{Adapted from: Is certified organic right for your farm?}

“Certified organic” is a term regulated by the USDA that provides a standard and consistency of the word and for farmers, processors, and consumers. General organic farming means the farming practices do not use synthetic chemicals and promote soil health, but the grower or processor may not be USDA certified and practices do not need to comply with the National Organic Program regulations. Many home gardeners or smaller farms may practice organic gardening in this way.

Being certified organic:

• is the fullest way to demonstrate the best practices and careful stewardship in the product.
• holds value in the marketplace and may command better prices due to third-party verification of quality and purity.
• provides a supportive network of innovators who continue to advance organic methods and grow the success of the movement through a shared purpose.

What are your concerns?

“Certified organic costs too much.”

Although there is a fee to be part of the program, a significant portion of your certification fee can be reimbursed through a federal program.

“There’s too much paperwork.”

Efficient, regular note taking can help refine decision-making, improve management, track profitability by crop, and be an important part of food safety.

“The organic brand doesn’t represent me.”

Certification is not for everyone. However, organic pioneers demanded and defined the core practices we follow today, and the USDA is committed to making sure farmers’ voices continue to be heard at the national level on all aspects of certification.